CF-M34 RAM Problem

**wasp61** · October 30th, 2009, 04:23 PM

I have three Panasonic Toughbook CF-M34 laptops. All have 933mhz processors, 256 mg RAM and 100G+ HDD. I bought them as parts or repair machines and after a few problems were worked out, they all run great.
The one problem that I can't seem to solve is how to add additional RAM. I have tried adding 256 mg using the directed chip (256mg pc133 3.3v sodimm sdram) but once installed all the machines wil do is beep at me and not boot up. I don't have a clue as to what is wrong.
Anybody got any ideas?

**TrekCaptainUSA** · October 30th, 2009, 07:09 PM

You checked the beep codes to see what the problem was (as in what the beeps mean)?

**EDIT: The beeps that wasp61 heard are called "beep codes", and different patterns and lengths relate to different problems. Usually when you hear these, it's a good idea to google what they mean, because they are important.**

**wasp61** · October 30th, 2009, 09:02 PM

Beep codes? Never heard of them.

**wasp61** · October 30th, 2009, 09:27 PM

OK, Beeps relate incompatiable or defective new memory module. Thanks TC!

**TrekCaptainUSA** · October 30th, 2009, 10:24 PM

No problem.

Oh, and if you hear any beeps in the future during boot, assume that its a beep code, and google what it means.

**TrekCaptainUSA** · October 30th, 2009, 10:26 PM

Sorry for the post spam, but one last thought:

If you want to check and see what RAM is compatible with your computer, you can always try and use this: http://www.corsair.com/configurator/default.aspx

If your computer isn't listed there, then google it.

**CCT** · October 31st, 2009, 05:09 AM

Link to a Service Manual; http://www.telcodata.us/~myself/CF-M...E%20MANUAL.pdf

edit: and this interesting tidbit from Wiki;

"Q: Can you upgrade the RAM past 192mb?

A: Yes, but not very efficiently.. 128mb in the slot gives you 192mb total, 256mb in the slot gives you 192mb again but a 512mb gives you 256mb in total. So if you have a spare 512mb SODIMM going to waste its worth doing. (Update: See memory module density for a possible explanation!) (Update 2: the 256/512mb upgrade was with this SO-DIMM)"

http://toughbook.wikispaces.com/cf-m34

**petebarchetta** · June 16th, 2010, 05:37 PM

hello,

recently got hold of a m34 toughbook, i'm intruiged how the m34 can be a 900mhz unit as i thought it was a p3 400mhz, i know there is someone who has upgradede the motherboard to a 700mhz M/B, i'm curious which unit the 700mhz board comes out from?
also has anyone got the usb to boot properly from a usb pendrive?
i wanted to install / run live a linux distro to check compatibility.
any info would be great

thanks

**Platypus** · June 17th, 2010, 05:08 AM

I believe the M34 was a series that had numerous models with varying specification, I find them advertised from 300MHz up, Celeron, PII and PIII

Panasonic show (presumably the last model at discontinuation) 1GHz:

http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp...4&displayTab=F

**petebarchetta** · June 19th, 2010, 05:04 AM

If all the cf-m34 are all based on the same shell, then in essence the mainboard can be upgraded to the top spec mainboard and all the sub boards should in theory fit? As long as they are all using same screen all other bits are reasonably universal, a 400-700mhz mainboard upgrade should easily be feasible. Tell me if I'm wrong here, just want to know how far the box can be upgraded as there are various mods I've seen done on the m34 to give it a lease of life in today's world